HomeMy WebLinkAboutCollege Station Pre-Attack Plan FinalTABLE OF
CONTENTS
Preparedness Strategies Introduction 4-5
Wildland Urban Interface Firefighting 6
Operations
Incident Objectives 7
Command Considerations 8-9
Tactical Considerations 10-15
Communication 16
Water Sources 17-19
Air Resources 20
Helicopters 21
Evacuation Considerations 22-23
Special Populations 24-27
Possible Shelter Locations 28
Contingency Planning 29
Response Zone 1
Contingency Plan 30-35
High -Risk Areas 36
Response Zone 2
Contingency Plan 37-41
High -Risk Areas 42-43
Response Zone 3
Contingency Plan 44-47
High -Risk Areas 48
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Response Zone 4
Contingency Plan 49-53
High -Risk Areas 54
Response Zone 5
Contingency Plan 55-59
Extreme -Risk Area 60
High -Risk Areas 61-63
Response Zone 6 Information 64
Wildland Fire Response
Regional Fire Risk Levels 65-67
State Preparedness Levels 68-70
Texas Wildfire Response Process 71
Requesting Resources 72-73
Transitioning Into Extended Attack 74-77
FMAG Process 78-79
Group Five: Safety
Attack Strategies 80-81
Safety Zones 82
Medical Plan 83
Structure Protection Checklist 84-85
Group Six: Other Resources
Acronyms 86-88
Glossary 89-98
ICS Forms 99-102
Western Pineywood Predictive Services Area 103-110
Contact List 111
PREPAREDNESS STRATEGIES
INTRODUCTION
Mitigation and response functions
directly affect each other. By
developing preparedness strategies,
the transition from mitigation
to response becomes smoother.
Additionally, critical information
is identified that which assist
responders who are not familiar with
the community.
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
College Station Fire Department's Wildfire Pre -Attack Plan is
tailored to suit the needs of the community and can be used as
one of many tools to guide emergency responders in wildfire a
wildfire incident.
4
PREPAREDNESS STRATEGIES
INTRODUCTION
The City of College Station has six fire stations, each of which
has a designated response zone. The Wildfire Pre -Attack Plan
includes detailed information for response zones 1-6.
5
WILDLAND URBAN
INTERFACE FIREFIGHTING
Structure protection is inherently dangerous because it
involves indirect firefighting.
Do not commit to stay and protect a structure unless a safety
zone for firefighters and equipment has been identified at the
structure during size -up and triage. Move to the nearest safety
zone, let the fire front pass and return as soon as conditions
allow.
Fire Behavior Prediction:
. Base all actions on current and expected fire behavior. Do
this first!
• An estimate must be made of the approaching fire intensity
to determine if there is an adequate safety zone and time
available before the fire arrives.
. Due to the dynamic nature of fire behavior, intensity
estimates are difficult to make with absolute certainty. It is
imperative that firefighters consider the worst case and build
contingency actions into their plan to compensate for the
unexpected.
Source: Incident Response Pocket Guide, a publication of the
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
6
INCIDENT
OBJECTIVES
. Provide for responders' safety, health, welfare and security.
. Provide for the public's safety, health, welfare and security.
When necessary, provide for the safe evacuation and care of
the displaced and their animals.
. Limit the amount of homes and land lost to wildland fire.
. Provide for security and investigation of wildfire cause.
. Provide for search and rescue of the trapped and missing;
contain, control and mitigate all fires and hazardous
substances.
. Protect and maintain access to vital infrastructure and
utilities.
. Ensure compliance with the agency administrator and
stakeholders' priorities.
Photo:
Stuart Villanueva
7
COMMAND
CONSIDERATIONS
The City of College Station will maintain command of all incidents
within the city limits.
The Incident Commander will:
• Establish an Incident Command Post (ICP) and direct and
control emergency operations at the scene.
• Determine the need for and implement public warning and
protective actions at and in the vicinity of the incident site.
• Determine whether the EOC should be activated.
• Provide periodic situation updates to the EOC, if that facility is
activated.
• Identify resource requirements to the EOC, if that facility is
activated.
The Emergency Management Coordinator will:
• Develop and maintain the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
staff roster and EOC operating procedures.
• Activate the EOC when requested or when the situation warrants.
• Serve as an EOC Manager.
• Coordinate resource and information support for emergency
operations.
• Coordinate emergency planning and impact assessment.
• Coordinate analysis of emergency response and recovery
problems and development of appropriate courses of action.
Source: Brazos County Interjurisdictional Emergency Management
Plan, Annex N, Direction and Control
8
COMMAND
CONSIDERATIONS
General Command Considerations:
• Structure protection groups should be created when high -
risk areas are threatened.
• The City EMC may begin staffing Incident Management
Team (IMT) positions as an incident transitions into
extended attack.
• Any incoming resources should be checked in and
demobilized during extended attack.
• All resources should be accounted for while at the
incident.
• Heavy smoke over the city may require evacuations for
special populations.
• The City of College Station EMC will establish shelter
locations and coordinate the process for notifying
evacuees of locations.
• The closest local Texas A&M Forest Service dozers are
staged in Huntsville and LaGrange.
• PHI Air Medic, which provides helicopter transport for
medical purposes, is permanently housed at St. Joseph
Regional Health Center, 2801 Franciscan. PHI also can
provide reconnaissance flights to locate or assist with
mapping a wildfire.
• Air One, a two -seat Cessna, can provide reconnaissance
flights when available. Contact Brazos County Dispatch.
• Consider a Wildland Alarm though Brazos County
Dispatch -This is comprised of all 4 county departments,
College Station FD brush engine and tender, and closest
municipal structural engine.
9
TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Information provided in the Tactical Considerations section
can be used when making decisions about the best strategies
for suppressing a wildfire.
General Tactical Considerations for the City of College Station:
• Some neighborhoods are vulnerable to structure -to -
structure ignition because of the close proximity of homes.
• Some mobile home parks do not have hydrants.
• Most high -risk areas have combustible attachments and
will require attention before and after the head fire passes.
• A significant amount of neighborhoods have dead-end
streets and cul-de-sacs that make escape difficult during
structure triage.
• Responders should attempt to protect the ignition point
to allow the College Station Fire Marshal's Office to
investigate.
• Temperatures can exceed 100° F in the summer.
Firefighters should stay hydrated and a firefighter rehab
group should be established to ensure responder safety.
• When in a drought situation, using water lines should be
done carefully and minimally. Pipes can break when the
ground is hard and dry. Valves on hydrants and trucks
should be opened and closed slowly.
• Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS), which
can observe potential wildfire conditions, are housed at
Easterwood Airport in College Station and Coulter Airfield
in Bryan.
10
TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
An Incident Command Post normally will be established
at the incident scene, according to the Brazos County
Interjurisdictional Emergency Management Plan, Annex N,
Direction and Control.
Options for Incident Command Posts include:
• The College Station Police Department Mobile Operations
Center. This unit is staged at the College Station Police
Department. This unit will come staffed with a driver and
a Communications Operator. Vehicle is self contained, has
mobile communications and Computer Aided Dispatch
abilities.
• The Bryan Mobile Command Post. This unit is staged at
Bryan Fire Station 1 and is a regionally available asset. This
unit will come staffed with a driver, a Communications
Operator, a Geographical Information Systems member,
and a group of Incident Management Team members from
the Brazos Valley Search and Rescue Group. Vehicle is
self contained, has mobile communications, multi radio
frequency patching capability, computer networking,
satellite communications, printing, GPS tracking devices,
and a remote mast mounted camera.
11
TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Fuel
Model
Description
Rate of
Spread
Flame
Length
% of Land
in City
Limits
Acres of
Land in
City
Limits
NB 91
t.Ii flilaeveloped
Land
n;a
i,;a
•in.1 %
14,02.1
FM 9
HWD
Hardwood timber
litter, with fluffy
dnfflayer
Low
Low
15.946
1,847
GR I
Short, pataq,
norrnally heavily
grazed grass
Moderate
Lam•
14.2%
4,308
GR 2
Moderately coarse
continuous grass
(1 ruull
liigh
Moderate
13%
3,948
FM S
Closed limber
litter,
Low
lazes
$.4?6
2.553
Peak Fire Seasons:
Primary - July through September with summer drying
Dry vegetation due to little or no rain, combined with
temperatures of 98° to 105° F on a daily basis. Hurricanes or
tropical storms close to Southeast Texas bring in dry, strong to
gusty winds from the north and northeast.
Secondary - December through March with cured grasses and
wind events
Cold front moves in from the north ushering in drier air.
Relative humidity drops below 20 percent during the afternoon
hours with winds gusting anywhere from 25 mph to 50 mph.
12
TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Fuels:
The primary fuel group within and surrounding the City of
College Station is short to tall grasses mixed with stands of
hardwood. There are pockets of yaupon, juniper and oak
throughout the city.
Under normal fire weather conditions, the grass fuel group
will ignite and burn more intensely than timber litter. Under
these conditions the rate of spread normally drops dramatically
once it enters the timber, giving firefighters a better chance of
extinguishing it.
Under more extreme fire conditions the grasses will ignite,
burn intensely and spread rapidly. Hardwood stands also may
produce group torching and, in the most extreme conditions,
running crown fires. Since fires burn so intensely under these
conditions, initial attack may be less successful.
Local Thresholds - Watch Out (combinations of any of these
factors can greatly increase fire behavior):
• Winds - Greater than 15 mph *
• Relative humidity - Less than 25 percent
• Temperature over 90° F
• 100-hour fuel moisture - Less than 13 percent
* To best determine wildfire behavior, analysts calculate windspeeds 20 feet above
the forest canopy. This calculation is commonly referred to as "20-foot winds."
13
TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Past Experience:
When grass fuels are
cured, rapid rates
of spread can be
expected on windy
days when:
. 10-hour fuel
moistures are below 7
percent
. Energy Release
Component values
above 46 exceed
the 90th percentile
. 1,000-hour fuel moistures are less than 13 percent and below
the loth percentile
. Live woody fuel moistures are less than:
- 90 percent in juniper
- 120 percent in southern yellow pine
. KBDI values of 648 are at the 90th percentile
Photo: Stuart Villanueva
Information on fuels and fire danger is monitored by Texas
A&M Forest Service and can be found at the Texas Interagency
Coordination Center (TICC) website at
http://ticc.tamu.edu/PredictiveServices/FuelsFireDanger.htm
14
TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
15
COMMUNICATION
Communication is critical on wildfire incidents. Identifying
the channels that will allow multiple resources to communicate
will limit the amount of confusion and potentially dangerous
situations on an incident. College Station Fire Department
uses the 700 Mhz digitally trunked Brazos Valley Wide Area
Communication System (BVWACS). Additional local and
statewide narrowband VHF frequencies include:
Channel Name
System
Receive
Rx PL
Transmit
TX PL
CSFD 1
BVWACS
CSFD 2
BVWACS
CSFD 3
BVWACS
Brazos Co. VFD 1*
BVWACS
Brazos Co. VFD 1*
VHF
155.9400
141.3
153.9800
141.3
VFIRE21
VHF
154.2800
156.7
154.2800
156.7
VFIRE22
VHF
154.2650
156.7
154.2650
156.7
VFIRE23
VHF
154.2950
156.7
154.2950
156.7
*Channels have a full time operational patch for normal
operations
Brazos County VFD 1 is typically used to communicate
with incoming resources. Brazos County VFD 1 is typically
used by operations on the scene during wildland incidents.
Additionally, the Mobile Command Post has capabilities
that allow resources to communicate by radio on different
frequencies.
16
WATER SOURCES
There are approximately 412 miles of pipe, 7,694 valves and 2,700
fire hydrants in the city's distribution system.
The largest body of water in the area is Lake Bryan. Managed
by Bryan Texas Utilities, the lake has a surface area of about 829
acres and a maximum depth of 45 feet. The surface elevation is
356 feet. The lake serves as a cooling reservoir for the Dansby
Power Plant.
There are numerous small ponds and bodies of water throughout
and surrounding the City of College Station. Some of these water
sources may be available to draft from but could potentially not
have enough capacity to assist with wildfire suppression during
dry conditions.
Lake Bryan
17
WATER SOURCES
Fire School Pond
30' 34' 37" N
96' 21' 7" W
Access from Stillwater Rd at
TEEX Fire Training Field
X
X
Great Oaks Pond
30' 33' 49" N
Access from Abbate Rd and
X
96' 19' 52"W
Twin Lakes Circle
30' 32' 35" N
Access from I&GN Rd
X
l&GN Rd Pond
96' 18' 49" W
between Capstone Dr and S.
Dowling Rd
Frierson Lake
30' 31" 11' N
Between Woodlake Dr and
X
X
96' 16' 17" W
Calumet Trail
Carter Lake
30' 35' 33" N
Access from Carter Lake Dr
X
X
96'14'58"W
Lake Placid
30' 35' 41" N
Access from Bird Pond Rd
X
X
96' 15' 29" W
and E. Placid Dr
Nantucket Pond
30" 32' 35" N
1500 Nantucket Drive
X
X
96°14'47"W
Lake Bryan
30' 42' 33" N
8200 Sandy Point Dr
X
X
96'28'19"W
Indian Lakes
30' 30' 51" N
Access from Indian Lakes Dr
X
X
96' 14' 59" W
and Aparaho Dr
Wichman Lake
30' 31' 45" N
Access from Land Ends Lane
X
X
96' 07' 45" W
Brazos River
N 30' 33' 32"
Access from Hwy 60
X
X
W 96' 25' 24"
*Lake Bryan and Wichman Lake not shown on map
18
19
AIR
RESOURCES
• Easterwood Airport could serve as a helibase for air
resources on the west side of the city.
Lat/Long: N 30° 35' 17"/ W 96° 21' 39"
Address: 1770 George Bush Dr West
College Station, TX
Easterwood Airport
20
HELICOPTERS
Type I Helicopters (Helitankers)
• Similar to a military Chinook helicopter, a helitanker is the
most common aircraft used by Texas A&M Forest Service.
They are equipped with snorkels that allow them to draw from
shallow water sources such as stock tanks, swimming pools,
small creeks, lakes and ponds.
• Generally carries 800 to 1,500 gallons of water.
Type 2 Helicopters
• Similar in size to a military Huey helicopter, these aircraft can
be used to haul water or transport passengers.
• While some are tanked and snorkeled, most used in Texas
have 300- to 350-gallon buckets. They generally are used in
East Texas where buckets can dip out of ponds or lakes.
Type 3 Helicopters
• Similar to a civilian Jet Ranger helicopter or civilian Life
Flight helicopter, these aircraft can be used to haul water or
carry two to three passengers for reconnaissance flights.
• The aircraft can haul between 100 to 180 gallons of water, but
are primarily used in Texas for recon missions by command or
operations personnel or for mapping purposes.
21
EVACUATION
CONSIDERATIONS
State law provides a county judge or mayor with the authority
to order the evacuation of all or part of the population from a
stricken or threatened area within their respective jurisdictions.
Hence, the mayor of College Station may order an evacuation
of the city upon issuing a local disaster declaration.
The Incident Commander or, for large-scale evacuations,
the EOC shall assess the need for evacuation and plan the
evacuation effort. Evacuations that must be conducted because
of incidents that occur without warning may have to be
planned quickly and carried out with only those resources
that can be mobilized rapidly. The decision to recommend an
evacuation in and around the area of an incident site rests with
the Incident Commander. In general, the county judge and/or
mayor shall issue the order for large-scale evacuations.
General Evacuation Considerations:
• When necessary, a law enforcement group should be
established to develop an evacuation plan that covers traffic
control, security issues and how best to safely evacuate
residents, special needs populations and non-English speakers.
• Provide for safe evacuation of residents while also considering
access for incoming resources (structure protection).
• Shelter locations should be identified during evacuations.
• If evacuation routes are cut off, safety zones should be
considered.
• Utilize reverse 911
22
EVACUATION
CONSIDERATIONS
Re -Entry Considerations:
• Initiate return of evacuees, when it is safe to do so.
• Coordinate temporary housing for those who cannot return
to their homes.
• Provide traffic control for return.
• Initiate recovery activities for evacuees who have suffered
loss of or damage to their homes or businesses.
• Carry out appropriate public information activities.
• Utilization of CART Team for re-entry.
Source: Brazos County Interjurisdictional Emergency
Management Plan, Annex E, Evacuation
23
SPECIAL
POPULATIONS
Special populations to consider for smoke management and
evacuation include schools, hospitals and nursing homes.
College Station ISD Schools:
A&M Consolidated High, 1801 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South
A&M Consolidated Middle, 105 Holik Street
Alternate Education Programs, 105 Timber Avenue
Barbara Bush Parent Center, 1200 George Bush Drive South
College Hills Elementary, 1101 Williams Street
College Station Middle, 900 Rock Prairie Road
College Station High, 4002 Victoria Avenue
Community Education, 1812 Welsh Avenue
Creek View Elementary, 1001 Eagle Avenue
Cypress Grove Intermediate, 900 Graham Road South
Forest Ridge Elementary, 1950 Greens Prairie Road West
24
SPECIAL
POPULATIONS
Greens Prairie Elementary, 4315 Greens Prairie Trail
Oakwood Intermediate, 106 Holik Street
Pebble Creek Elementary, 200 Parkview Drive
Rock Prairie Elementary, 3400 Welsh Avenue
South Knoll Elementary, 1220 Boswell Street
Southwood Valley Elementary, 2700 Brothers Boulevard
Private Schools:
Aggieland Country School, 1500 Quail Run
Balcones Kindercare, 937 Balcones Drive
Brazos Valley Adventist School, 1350 Earl Rudder Fwy South
Cornerstone Christian Academy, 2475 Earl Rudder Fwy South
Saint Thomas Early Learning Center, 906 George Bush Drive
Village Drive Kindercare, 1711 Village Drive
25
SPECIAL
POPULATIONS
Higher Education:
Texas A&M University: Evacuation orders for campus are is-
sued via Code Maroon messaging system
Treatment Centers:
St. Joseph Regional Health Center, 2801 Franciscan Drive
• 303 licensed beds; 36-bed medical/surgical ICU; 14 operating
rooms
• MRI scanner, two CT scanners, dialysis unit (five machines)
• Emergency room: four trauma rooms, 16 exam rooms, five
minor care/urgent care exam rooms, six -bed observation area
• 18 isolation beds
• Emergency power for indefinite number of hours (up to 96
without refueling)
The Physicians Centre Hospital, 3131 University Drive
• 16 licensed beds; no ICU; four operating rooms and two
minor procedure rooms
• MRI scanner, CT scanner, no dialysis unit
• Unstaffed first aid suite with on -call doctor, no emergency
rooms
• Emergency power for 24 hours
Scott and White Healthcare, 700 Scott & White Drive
• 143 beds; Level III emergency department
• MRI scanner, 64-slice CT scanner
26
SPECIAL
POPULATIONS
Nursing Homes:
Arbor on the Brazos, 1103 Rock Prairie Road
Bluebonnet House, 3901 Victoria Avenue
• 39 beds, emergency power for 168-plus hours; propane
generator
The Waterford at College Station, 1103 Rock Prairie Road
• 40 beds; 18 memory care
Fortress Health and Rehab, 1105 Rock Prairie Road
• 120 beds; emergency power for 72 hours
Magnified Health and Rehab, 1115 Anderson Street
• 115 beds; emergency power for 24 to 48 hours
27
POSSIBLE
SHELTER LOCATIONS
Sheltering efforts should be coordinated with the College
Station Emergency Management Coordinator and American
Red Cross.
Forty-six locations within Brazos County have been identified
as available for sheltering. Of those, 35 are designated for
general purposes, four are designated for local needs, four
are designated for special needs and three are designated for
responders.
The Emergency Management Coordinator can provide a list
of available facilities upon request.
Evacuations will require coordination with:
• EMC
• Fire Department
• Police Department
• Mayor's Office
• City/Incident Public Information Officers
• Dispatch
• Public Works
28
CONTINGENCY PLANNING
Contingency Planning:
Contingency plans identify high -risk neighborhoods and
areas with the potential for large wildland incidents. These
plans contain information that may be beneficial to incoming
resources, including fuel types, water sources, staging areas
and ICP locations.
A map of each high -risk neighborhood also is provided
to give users an elevated view of the area and its potential
threats.
V0. 1
\\» \\\'\\
Photo: Stuart Villanueva 29
ZONE 1
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Keep the Fire:
North of Highway 30
Southeast of Pate Road
North of Carters Creek
Fuels:
Grass - High rates
of spread and flame
lengths
Juniper - High
flame lengths
Oak - High flame
lengths
Local Thresholds - Watch Out:
• Winds - Greater than 15
mph
• RH - Less than 25 percent
• Temperature - Over 90° F
• 100-hour fuel moisture -
Less than 13 percent
Additional Water Sources:
Lake Bryan
N30°42'33"
W 96° 28' 19"
Access from Sandy Point Road
*Closest hydrant at FM 158
and Highway 30
30
ZONE 1
CONTINGENCY PLAN
31
ZONE 1
CONTINGENCY PLAN
General tactical considerations:
• Pipelines and electrical lines
•Refined Fuels
Evacuation Trigger Points:
• Extreme fire conditions
• Fire jumps Highway 30 or Pate Rd
• Heavy smoke within neighborhood
Evacuation Considerations:
• None
32
ZONE 1
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Potential Staging and ICP Locations in Response Zone 1:
Central Baptist Church, 1991 FM 158
N 30° 38' 24"
W 96° 16' 40"
Post Oak Mall, 1500 Harvey Rd
N 30° 37' 29"
W 96° 18' 11"
33
ZONE 1
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Veterans Memorial Park, 3101 Harvey Rd
3101 Harvey Rd
N 30° 38' 24"
W 96° 17' 34"
34
35
ZONE 1 HIGH -RISK
AREAS
Glen Oaks Mobile
Home Park
Location: Highway 30 and
Pate Road
N 30° 38' 36"
W 96° 15' 29"
Responding Station: 1
Wildland Areas:
Approximately 33 acres, N,
NE, NW
Fuels: Yaupon, oak, cedar (heavy fuel loading)
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion (from
N, NW, W)
Fire Behavior: Low -intensity grass fire - Extreme crown fire
Access: One point (Pate Road)
Home Construction: Vinyl with wooden combustible
attachments
Defensible Space: Less than 30 feet/Not present
Fire Occurrence: Low
Estimated Values at Risk:
• $383,210 total value
• 10 acres
36
ZONE 2
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Draft Site 1:
Great Oaks Pond
30° 33' 49" N
96° 19' 52"W
Access from Abbate Rd and Twin
Lakes Circle
Additional Water Sources:
Fire School Pond
30° 34' 37" N
96°21'7"W
Access from Stillwater Rd at TEEX
Fire Training Field
*No fire hydrants located in high
risk areas.
Mobile homes at greatest risk
Keep the Fire:
North of F.M. 2818
Southwest of N.
Dowling Rd
Fuels:
Primarily grasses, -
High rates of spread
and moderate flame
lengths
Yaupon, juniper and
oak - High flame
lengths
Local Thresholds -
Watch Out:
• Winds - Greater than
15 mph
• RH - Less than 25
percent
• Temperature - Over
90° F
• 100-hour fuel
moisture - Less than
13 percent
37
ZONE 2
CONTINGENCY PLAN
38
ZONE 2
CONTINGENCY PLAN
General tactical considerations:
• Pipelines and electrical lines
• Union Pacific Railroad
Evacuation Trigger Points:
• Extreme fire conditions
• Fire jumps F.M. 2818
• Heavy smoke within neighborhood
• Fire reaches Union Pacific railroad
Evacuation Considerations:
• None
39
ZONE 2
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Potential Staging and ICP Locations in Response Zone 2:
A&M Consolidated High School, 1801 Harvey Mitchell
Pkwy South
30° 35' 31" N
96° 19' 05" W
Brian Bachmann Community Park, 1600 Rock Prairie
Rd
30° 34' 45" N
96° 17' 52" W
40
41
ZONE 2 HIGH -RISK
AREAS
Woodway and
Pleasant Forest
Mobile Home
Park
Location: Mile Drive
and Texas Ave
N 30° 35' 48"
W 96° 17' 39"
Responding Station:
2
Wildland Areas: Approximately 20 acres, N
Fuels: Grass, juniper and oak
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion,
radiant heat (from N)
Fire Behavior: Low -intensity grass fire — Group torching
Access: One point (Texas Ave)
Home Construction: Homes have vinyl siding, open at
foundation, and combustible attachments
Defensible Space: Less than 30 feet
Fire Occurrence: High
Estimated Values at Risk:
• $907,420total value
42. 34 acres
ZONE 2 HIGH -RISK
AREAS
Sherwood
Heights/Robin
Drive
Location: Rock
Prairie Road and
Dowling Road
N 30° 33' 23"
W 96° 20' 0"
Responding Station:
2
Wildland Areas: Approximately 125acres, SW, S, SE, NE
Fuels: Yaupon, juniper and oak
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion (from
SW, S, SE, NE)
Fire Behavior: Low -Moderate intensity fire - Group torching
Access: Two access point on Rock Prairie Road
Home Construction:Ignition-resistant material and vinly sided
homes with combustible attachments
Defensible Space: Less than 30 feet
Fire Occurrence: Low
Estimated Values at Risk:
• 110 homes • $8,505,110 total value • 74 acres
43
ZONE 3
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Fuels:
Large areas of grasslands
surround the neighborhood.
Depending on grazing methods,
grasses may range from short
to tall and can produce extreme
fire behavior.
Grass - High rates of spread and
moderate flame lengths
Local Thresholds - Watch Out:
. Winds - Greater than 15 mph
. RH - Less than 25 percent
. Temperature - Over 90° F
. 100-hour fuel moisture - Less
than 13 percent
Zone 3 fuels
44
Keep the Fire:
North of Capstone Dr
West of S. Dowling Rd
Draft Site 1:
I&GN Road Pond
30° 32' 35" N
96° 18' 49" W
Access from I&GN Rd
between Capstone Dr
and S. Dowling Rd
Additional Water
Sources:
Lake Placid
30° 35' 41" N
96° 15' 29" W
Access from Bird Pond
Rd and E. Placid Dr
Fire School Pond
30° 34' 37" N
96°21'7"W
Access from Stillwater
Rd at TEEX Fire
Training Field
*Hydrants are located
thoughout area
ZONE 3
CONTINGENCY PLAN
45
ZONE 3
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Evacuation Trigger Points:
• Extreme fire behavior and high rates of spread
• Heavy smoke within neighborhood
• Heavy smoke within Wellborn
•Bluebonnet House -Assisted Living Center
Evacuation Considerations:
Villas of Rock Prairie-Assissted Living Center
Potential Staging and ICP Locations in Response Zone 3:
College Station High School, 4002 Victoria Ave
30° 33' 34" N
96° 17' 14" W
Cypress Grove Intermediate School, 900 Graham Rd
30° 34' 16" N
96° 17' 35" W
46
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47
ZONE 3 HIGH -RISK
AREAS
South Dowling and I&GN
Road
Location: South Dowling and
I&GN Road
N 30° 32' 17"
W 96° 18' 43"
Responding Station: 3
Wildland Areas: Approximately 80 acres, S, W, E
Fuels: Grass, juniper and oak
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion, radiant
heat (from S, W, E)
Fire Behavior: Low -intensity grass fire - Group torching
Access: Several points to I&GN Rd
Home Construction: Homes constructed of brick and composite
roofs with combustible attachments
Defensible Space: 30 feet
Fire Occurrence: Moderate
Estimated Values at Risk:
• 36 homes
• $12,538,680 total value
• 252 acres
48
ZONE 4
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Keep the Fire:
East and North of S. Traditions
Drive
South of Highway 60
Fuels:
Short grass with
patches of tall grass
- Low to high rates
of spread
Yaupon - Moderate
to high flame
lengths
Oak - High flame
lengths
Local Thresholds - Watch Out:
• Winds - Greater than 15 mph
• RH - Less than 25 percent
• Temperature - Over 90° F
• 100-hour fuel moisture - Less than
13 percent
Draft Site 1:
Fire School Pond
30° 34' 37" N
96° 21' 7" W
Access from Stillwater
Rd at TEEX Fire
Training Field
Additional Water
Sources:
Lake Bryan
N 30° 42' 33"
W 96° 28' 19"
Access from Sandy Point
Road
Brazos River
N 30° 33' 32"
W 96° 25' 24"
Access from Highway 60
49
ZONE 4
CONTINGENCY PLAN
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ZONE 4
CONTINGENCY PLAN
General Tactical Considerations:
• Easterwood Airport is located in Zone 4 and can be used as
a Helispot
• Air traffic from to and from Easterwood Airport
• Radioactive waste building from Nuclear Science Center
Evacuation Trigger Points:
• Fire jumps Highway 60 or S. Traditions Drive
• Extreme fire conditions and high rates of spread
Evacuation Considerations:
• None
Potential Staging and ICP Locations in Response Zone 4:
TEEX Brayton Fire Training Field, 1595 Nuclear Science
Road
N 30° 33' 32"
W 96° 25' 24"
51
ZONE 4
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Easterwood Airport, 1770 George Bush Drive West
N 30° 35' 17"
W 96° 21' 39"
George Bush Library, 1000 George Bush Drive West
N 30° 35' 17"
W96°21'39"
Reed Arena, 730 Olsen Blvd
N 30° 36' 20"
W 96° 20' 46"
52
53
ZONE 4 HIGH -RISK
AREAS
Highway 60 and Turkey Creek Road
Location: Highway 60 and
Turkey Creek Road
N 30° 35' 51"
W 96° 22' 37"
Responding Station: 4
Wildland Areas:
Approximately 140 acres,
intermix
Fuels: Grass, yaupon and oak
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion, radiant
heat
Fire Behavior: Low -intensity grass fire — Group torching
Access: Two points to Highway 60 and S. Traditions Drive
Home Construction: Homes are constructed of wood and vinyl
with combustible attachments
Defensible Space: Less than 30 feet
Fire Occurrence: Moderate
Estimated Values at Risk:
• 23 homes
• $4,622,380 total value
• 108 acres
54
ZONE 5
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Keep the Fire:
Southeast of Royder
Rd
East of Bird Pond Rd
Fuels:
Primarily grass fields
intermixed with areas
that have oak, yaupon
and floodplain forest
Grass - High rates of
spread and moderate
flame lengths
Juniper — High flame
lengths
Yaupon — Moderate
flame lengths
Floodplain Forest —
High flame lengths
(drought conditions)
IIIIIIIIIFMI
Draft 1:
Lake Placid
30°35'41"N
96° 15' 29" W
Access E. Placid Dr and Bird Pond Rd
Draft Site 2:
Carter Lake
30° 35' 33" N
96° 14' 58" W
Access from Carter Lake Dr
Draft Site 3:
Nantucket Pond
30° 32' 35" N
96° 14' 47" W
Access at 1500 Nantucket Dr
Additional Water Sources:
Frierson Lake
30° 31" 11' N
96°16'17"W
Between Woodlake Dr and Calumet Trail
Indian Lakes
30°30'51"N
96° 14' 59" W
Access from Indian Lakes Dr and Aparaho Dr
Local Thresholds — Watch Out:
• Winds — Greater than 15 mph
• RH — Less than 25 percent
• Temperature — Over 90° F
• 100-hour fuel moisture — Less than 13 percent
55
ZONE 5
CONTINGENCY PLAN
College Station,TX
Response Zone 5
Tactical Considerations
Legend
Response Zone
=Station 5
Staging/ICP
46. Station 5
® Water Source
We
•
'ne Rd
•
caner
CLOISTERS
OATES ACRES
0
Prairie qy W
56
ZONE 5
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Evacuation Trigger Points:
• Extreme fire behavior
• High rates of spread
• Group torching and crown runs
• Fire jumps Highway 6, Royder Rd, or Carters Creek
Evacuation Considerations:
• Narrow roads
Potential Staging and ICP Locations in Response Zone 5:
Pebble Creek Country Club, 4500 Pebble Creek Pkwy
N 30° 34' 01"
W 96° 14' 09"
Pebble Creek Elementary, 200 Parkview Dr
N 30° 33' 31"
W 96° 14' 56"
57
ZONE 5
CONTINGENCY PLAN
MI
Texas World Speedway, 17529 State Highway 6 South
N 30° 33' 31"
W 96° 14' 56"
Texas A&M Forest Service, 200 Technology Way
N 30° 33' 06"
W 96° 14' 34w"
58
College Station,TX
Response Zone 5
Wildfire Risk Areas
Legend
Wddfrre Risk Areas
Extreme
High
Moderate
Response Zone
OStanon 5
ffl Staging Area
( Station 5
Water Source
rya
cad
59
ZONE 5 EXTREME -RISK
AREAS
Wellborn Oaks
Location: Greens Prairie
Road and Royal Oak
Drive
N 30° 32' 7"
W 96° 17' 24"
Responding Station: 5
Wildland Areas:
Approximately 91 acres, N, NE
Fuels: Grass, yaupon, and oak
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion
Fire Behavior: Low -intensity grass fire — Extreme crown fire
Access: One point (Greens Prairie Road)
Home Construction: Mix of Brick and Vinly with combustible
attachments
Defensible Space: Less than 30 feet/Not Present
Fire Occurrence: Low
No Fire Hydrants Present
Estimated Values at Risk:
• 133 homes
• $34,467,640 total value
• 377 acres
60
ZONE 5 HIGH -RISK
AREAS
Lake Placid
Location: Bird Pond Road and East Placid Drive
N 30° 35' 36"
W 96° 15' 24"
Responding Station: 5
Wildland Areas: Approximately 100 acres, NW, W
Fuels: Grass, yaupon, oak, flood plain forest
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion, radiant
heat (from N and E)
Fire Behavior: Low -intensity grass fire — Group torching
Access: One access point to from Bird Pond Road
Home Construction: Brick with compisite roofs
Defensible Space: Less than 30 feet
Fire Occurrence: Low
Estimated Values at Risk:
• 15 homes
• $3,135,300 total value
• 50 acres
61
ZONE 5 HIGH -RISK
AREAS
Sweetwater Dr-Woodlake Dr
Location: Sweetwater Dr-Woodlake Dr off Green Prairie Rd
N 30° 31' 58"
W 96° 16' 36"
Responding Station: 5
Wildland Areas: Approximately 580 acres, NE, E, SE, S, S, SW
Fuels: Grass, yaupon, cedar and oak
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion, radiant
heat (from NE, E, SE, S, S, SW)
Fire Behavior: Low -intensity grass fire — Group torching
Access: One point each to
Green Prairie Road
Home Construction: Brick and
Stucco with Composite roofs or
vinly siding with combustible
attachments
Defensible Space: Less than feet
Fire Occurrence: Moderate
Estimated Values at Risk:
• 168 homes
• $53,050,000 total value
• 470 acres
62
ZONE 5 HIGH -RISK
AREAS
Whites Creek Lane
Location: Greens Prairie
Road and Whites Creek
Lane
N 30° 32' 57"
W 96° 15' 58"
Responding Station: 5
Wildland Areas:
Approximately 308 acres, intermix
Fuels: Grass, yaupon, and oak
Primary Threats: Direct flame contact, ember intrusion
Fire Behavior: Low -intensity grass fire — Extreme crown fire
Access: One point to Greens Prairie Road
Home Construction: Ignition -resistant with combustible
attachments
Defensible Space: 30 feet
Fire Occurrence: Low
Estimated Values at Risk:
• 12 homes
• $2,297.770 total value
• 21 acres
63
ZONE 6 INFORMATION
Response Zone 6 does not have any risk areas due
most of the area being urban. Station 6 could be used
as a staging location or incident command post.
Fire Station 6 is located at 610 University Drive East.
64
REGIONAL FIRE RISK
LEVELS
Fire managers at the regional and state level use Fire Risk
Levels as a planning and staffing tool. The state is divided into
18 fire risk regions. A regional fire risk level is determined
for each region. One preparedness level is determined for the
state.
Fire Risk Level I
• Low to moderate daily fire danger when critical fire
weather is present
• Low to moderate fire occurrence
• Drought Monitor lists no drought levels in region
• Fuel dryness is at normal moisture (blue level)
• Herbaceous fuel moistures are above 150 percent and
grasses are green
• 1,000-hour dead fuel moisture is above the 50th
percentile
• ERC percentile is below the 50th percentile
Fire Risk Level II
• Moderate to high daily fire danger when critical fire
weather is present
• Moderate to active fire occurrence
• Drought Monitor defines D1 (moderate) drought or
abnormally dry areas within region
• Fuel dryness is at normal moisture (blue level) or dry
(yellow level)
65
REGIONAL FIRE RISK
LEVELS
• Herbaceous fuel moistures are cured or transitioning from
green to cured
. 1,000-hour dead fuel moisture is between the 26th and
50th percentile (blue)
. ERC percentile is between the 50th and 75th percentile
(blue)
Fire Risk Level III
. High to very high daily fire danger when critical fire
weather is present
. Active fire occurrence
. Drought Monitor defines D1 or D2 (moderate to severe)
drought in region
. Fuel dryness is at dry (yellow) or critically dry (orange)
level
. Herbaceous fuels are cured
. 1,000-hour dead fuel moisture is between the loth and
25th percentile (yellow)
. ERC percentile is between the 75th and 90th percentile
(yellow)
Fire Risk Level IV
. Very high to extreme daily fire danger when critical fire
weather is present
. Very active fire occurrence
. Drought Monitor defines D2 or D3 (severe to extreme)
66
REGIONAL FIRE RISK
LEVELS
drought in region
• Fuel dryness is at critically dry (orange) or extreme (red)
level
. Herbaceous fuels are cured
. 1,000-hour dead fuel moisture is between the 3rd and loth
percentile
. ERC percentile is between the 90th and 97th percentile
(orange and red)
Fire Risk Level V
. Very high to extreme daily fire danger when critical fire
weather is present
. Very active to extreme fire occurrence
. Drought Monitor defines D3 or D4 (extreme to
exceptional) drought in region
. Fuel dryness is at critically dry (orange) or extreme (red)
level
. Herbaceous fuels are cured
. 1,000-hour dead fuel moisture is at or below the 97th
percentile (red)
Source: Texas Fire Response Handbook
67
STATE PREPAREDNESS
LEVELS
Listed below are the criteria for determining State
Preparedness Levels (PL). The PL is established by Texas
A&M Forest Service's Planning and Preparedness Section in
conjunction with the Risk Assessment Section.
Preparedness Level 1
• Fire activity is within the capabilities of local fire
departments with minimal support from TFS.
• TFS fire expenditures are within budgeted funds.
• Consider when no more than two regions are in a Risk Level
(RL) II.
• Supervisors should expect minimal impact on daily
activities.
Preparedness Level 2
• Freeze -cured fuels are present in winter months.
• Fire activity may begin to exceed local capabilities.
• Mobilization of additional fire departments and TFS
resources may be required.
• External fire resources may be required.
• TFS fire expenditures may begin to exceed budgeted funds.
• Consider when one or more regions are in a RL III or
multiple regions are in RL II.
• Supervisors should be aware of regional risk levels when
planning daily activities.
68
STATE PREPAREDNESS
LEVELS
Preparedness Level 3
• Fire activity may exceed the capabilities of local fire
departments and TFS.
• External fire resources may be required.
• TFS fire expenditures begin to exceed budgeted funds.
• Consider when at least one region is in RL IV or a
significant number of regions are in RL III.
• Supervisors will consider regional risk levels when planning
daily activities.
Preparedness Level 4
• Fire activity may exceed the capabilities of state agency
resources.
• External fire resources are required.
• TFS fire expenditures exceed budgeted funds.
• Consider when a significant number of regions are in RL IV
or higher.
• Supervisors will consider regional risk levels when planning
daily activities.
69
STATE PREPAREDNESS
LEVELS
• •
Preparedness Level 5
• Fire activity exceeds the capabilities of state agency resources.
• The scope of fire operations typically requires multiple Zone
Commands.
• External resources are required.
• TFS fire expenditures exceed budgeted funds.
• Consider when a significant number of regions are in RL IV
or higher.
• Supervisors will consider regional risk levels when planning
daily activities.
The State Preparedness Level may be elevated due to response to
all -hazard incidents.
Source: Texas Fire Response Handbook
70
TEXAS WILDFIRE
RESPONSE PROCESS
The State of Texas is composed of 254 counties with
approximately 98 percent privately -owned land. The eastern
one -seventh of the state is heavily forested with loblolly pine
plantations, while the remainder of the state has a wide range
of fuel models from coastal grasses to thick oak and mesquite
stands to sparsely vegetated areas in parts of the west.
Fire seasons in Texas can occur any time of the year. A fall and
winter fire season typically starts in grass fuels after the first
hard freeze. In spring and early summer, fires mostly occur in
West Texas, and the summer fire season occurs during periods
of drought, strong winds and lower relative humidity.
The majority of wildfires in Texas are handled by the 1,900
fire departments throughout the state, 1,500 of which are
volunteer departments. However, by Texas State statute, Texas
A&M Forest Service has been given the authority to "... take
any actions deemed necessary to prevent and extinguish
forest fires" Therefore, direct communication between local
government and TFS is authorized. Additionally, all TFS
employees and their representatives have the authority to
enter onto privately -owned land whenever it is necessary to
investigate or suppress forest and grass fires when they are
known to be burning uncontrolled.
Source: Texas Fire Response Handbook
71
REQUESTING
RESOURCES
For immediate resource requests on a Type 5, 4 or 3 incident,
the on -duty College Station Fire Department Battalion Chief
or Incident Commander should contact the College Station
Emergency Managment Coordinator.
The College Station EMC will contact the appropriate
personnel at Brazos County for notification of additional
requests and the information will be passed on to the Texas
Division of Emergency Management District Coordinator and
the Disaster District Chairman as needed.
Emergency responders assigned to an incident in the City of
College Station should consult with the Incident Commander
about the preferred process for requesting resources, as it may
vary depending on the complexity of the incident.
The Incident Commander is responsible for managing
emergency resources at the incident site and may begin staffing
Incident Management Team positions as the incident grows in
scope or complexity.
The Incident Command System (ICS) structure includes
a Logistics Section which is responsible for obtaining and
maintaining personnel, facilities, equipment and supplies
committed to the emergency operation.
72
REQUESTING
RESOURCES
If the EOC is activated, the Incident Commander will continue
to manage emergency resources committed at the incident site.
The Resource Manager in the EOC will monitor the state of
all resources, manage uncommitted resources and coordinate
with the Incident Commander to determine requirements for
additional resources at the incident site.
Source: Brazos County Interjurisdictional Emergency
Management Plan, Annex M, Resource Management
73
TRANSITIONING INTO
EXTENDED ATTACK
Incident Complexity:
A fire complexity analysis should be conducted as part of
initial size -up and subsequent size -ups to ensure that the
appropriate level of management is applied to an incident and
to determine the need for transitioning into extended attack.
There are five levels of complexity that have been defined. Type
1 is the most complex and requires the highest level of skill
and management. Type 5 is the least complex incident. Type 3
complexity requires a transition to extended attack.
The complexity analysis of an incident is not a completely
objective process. There are many factors to consider that can
influence the determination of incident complexity.
Some of the major factors that should be considered in an
incident complexity analysis include the number and type
of resources engaged or needed for suppression operations,
values at risk, threat to life and property, jurisdictional
boundaries, fuel types, fire behavior, significant fire potential
and firefighter safety.
Type 5 Complexity:
• Generally a small fire or a larger fire with a high percentage
of inactive perimeter.
• Two to seven firefighters with one to two units and the local
74
TRANSITIONING INTO
EXTENDED ATTACK
fire department are an adequate number of resources to contain
fire.
• Fire presents low resistance to control. Initial attack will be
successful.
• Fire behavior and fire intensities allow for direct attack.
Type 4 Complexity:
• Fire is large enough to require multiple units and a designated
supervisor with no collateral responsibilities.
• Local resources include two to five units and one to five fire
departments.
• A reconnaissance aircraft and/or one to two tactical aircraft
may be present.
• Fire behavior and intensities can cause containment problems
near the head fire with stopovers and short-range spotting.
• Direct tactics are generally used but indirect tactics may
sometimes be used to cross the head fire due to high fire
intensities or high rate of spread.
• Fuel dryness levels may require extended mop -up after
containment.
• Fire behavior drops off significantly with sunset and increased
moisture recovery.
• Fires are contained in one burning period.
75
TRANSITIONING INTO
EXTENDED ATTACK
Type 3 Complexity Transition Indicators:
The more indicators that are present increase the likelihood
that you have transitioned to a Type 3 fire.
• Attempt(s) to contain head have failed.
• Indirect tactics are being used.
• Significant fire potential rating is high or very high.
• Peak burning period has yet to occur.
• Cannot see the entire fire.
• Tactical aircraft are engaged or ordered.
• Evacuations have occurred or are recommended.
• Number of resources (agency, fire departments, law
enforcement) exceed span of control.
• Difficult to manage/monitor all communications.
• Fuels and/or terrain limit access.
Regardless of size or complexity, if any of the following are
present an ICT3 must be ordered:
• Entrapment
• Shelter deployment
• Burnover
• Fatality or serious injury
Type 3 Complexity:
• Cannot see the entire fire or cannot gain access to the entire
fire.
• Resources may include 20 to 50 responders from a variety of
76
TRANSITIONING INTO
EXTENDED ATTACK
organizations including wildland agencies, fire departments,
law enforcement and relief agencies.
• Regional
resources may
be dispatched
to fill some of
the command
and general
staff positions,
usually at the
division/group
or unit leader
level.
• Tactical
aircraft are
dispatched when available.
• Fire will be an extended attack fire.
• Containment in a single burning period will not be possible
due to fuel types, dry to critically dry fuel conditions, active fire
behavior or limited access to fire.
• Indirect tactics and structure protection are part of
containment strategies.
• Public safety is at risk prompting evacuations or road closures.
Source: Texas A&M Forest Service State Fire Operations Plan
77
FMAG
PROCESS
A Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) offers federal
financial assistance to states and local government for the
mitigation, management and control of fires on public or
private land. If approved, an FMAG can reimburse 75 percent
of eligible expenses on a specific incident or wildfire.
To be eligible for an FMAG, an incident has to constitute the
threat of a major disaster.
To begin the FMAG application process, the governor or
the governor's authorized representative submits to FEMA a
request for an FMAG program declaration. The application
must be submitted while the fire is burning uncontrolled and
threatening such destruction as would constitute a major
disaster.
When submitting a declaration request, the governor should
provide factual data and professional estimates as available to
support the request. The state's verbal request must be followed
up with official, completed forms.
78
FMAG
PROCESS
Local officials are responsible for providing accurate and
sufficient data to the state documenting costs incurred in
response to an FMAG Declaration and fire suppression
efforts.
Information required:
• Size of fire(s) in acres or square miles
• Name, location and population of area (or areas) threatened
• Number of primary and secondary residences and
businesses threatened
• Distance of fire to nearest neighborhoods
• Number of persons evacuated to date, if applicable
• Current and predicted (24-hour) weather conditions
• Degree to which state and local resources are committed to
this fire and other fires in federal, state or local jurisdictions
To further support a declaration request, the state may
append additional documentation including:
• Fire severity maps
• Geographic, topographical or land assessment maps
• Incident status summary report (ICS-209)
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency FMAG
Program Guide
79
ATTACK STRATEGIES:
DIRECT ATTACK
Advantages:
• Minimal area is burned; no additional area is intentionally
burned.
• Safest place to work; firefighters can usually escape into the
burned area.
• The uncertainties of firing operations can be reduced/
eliminated.
Disadvantages:
• Firefighters can be hampered by heat, smoke and flames.
• Control lines can be very long and irregular.
• Burning material can easily spread across mid -slope lines.
• May not be able to use natural or existing barriers.
• More mop -up and patrol is usually required.
Source: Incident Response Pocket Guide, a publication of the
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
80
ATTACK STRATEGIES:
INDIRECT ATTACK
Advantages:
• Control lines can be located using favorable topography.
• Natural or existing barriers can be used.
• Firefighters may not have to work in smoke and heat.
• Control lines can be constructed in lighter fuels.
• There may be less danger of stopovers.
Disadvantages:
• More area will be burned.
• Must be able to trade time and space for line to be
constructed and fired.
• Firefighters may be in more danger because they are distant
from the fire and have unburned fuels between them and the
fire.
• There may be some dangers related to firing operations.
• Firing operations may leave unburned islands of fuel.
• May not be able to use control line already built.
81
SAFETY ZONES
A safety zone is an area where a firefighter can survive without
a fire shelter. Considerations for effective safety zones:
• Take advantage of heat barriers such as lee side of ridges,
large rocks or solid structures.
• When possible, burn out safety zones prior to arrival of fire
front.
• Avoid locations upslope or downwind from the fire;
chimneys, saddles or narrow canyons; and steep uphill escape
routes.
• Not intended for structure protection.
Separation distance between the firefighter and the flames
should be at least four times the maximum continuous flame
height. Distance separation is the radius from the center of the
safety zone to the nearest fuels.
Source: Incident Response Pocket Guide, a publication of the
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
82
MEDICAL PLAN
Incident Command System principles dictate that an Incident
Action Plan, to include a Medical Plan (ICS Form 206), be
prepared for wildfires and other incidents.
PHI Air Medic, located at St. Joseph Regional Health Center, 2801
Franciscan, transports patients by helicopter.
The closest burn units are:
• Shriners Hospitals for Children Pediatric Burn Center in
Galveston
• University of Texas Medical Branch Blocker Adult Burn Center
in Galveston
College Station Fire Department responds to medical calls. Fire
stations are located at the following addresses:
• Fire Station No. 1, 304 Holleman Drive East
• Fire Station No. 2, 2100 Rio Grande
• Fire Station No. 3, 1900 Barron Road
• Fire Station No. 4, 1550 George Bush West
• Fire Station No. 5, 1601 William D. Fitch Parkway
• Fire Station No. 6, 610 University Drive East
Treatment centers in the area include:
• St. Joseph Regional Health Center, 2801 Franciscan, Bryan
• College Station Medical Center, 1604 Rock Prairie Road, College
Station
• Scott & White Healthcare, Highway 6 and Rock Prairie Road,
College Station
83
STRUCTURE PROTECTION
CHECKLIST
Rapid mitigation measures
Remove small combustibles immediately next to
structure.
Close windows and doors, including garage (leave
unlocked).
❑ Clean area around fuel tank and shut off tank.
❑ Charge garden hoses.
❑ Apply CAF, foam or gel retardants if available.
111
Equipment and water use
Mark entrance to indicate a staffed location if it is not
obvious.
❑ Charge hose lines.
❑ Long hose lays are not recommended.
❑ Keep 100 gallons of water in reserve.
❑ Identify a backup water source.
84
STRUCTURE PROTECTION
CHECKLIST
Equipment and water use (continued)
❑ Identify power lines for aerial resources.
❑ Never rely on water for firefighter safety.
Patrol following the fire front
❑ Most structures do not burn until after the fire front has
passed.
❑ Move to closest safety zone and let fire front go through.
❑Return as soon as conditions allow safe access to
structures.
❑ Secondary ignition is usually due to residual spot fires or
creeping ground fire.
❑ Take suppression actions within your capability.
❑ Call for assistance if needed.
Source: Incident Response Pocket Guide, a publication of the
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
85
ACRONYMS
AAR - After Action Review
AHIMT - All -Hazard Incident Management Team
BI - Burning Index
BLM - Bureau of Land Management
CAF - Compressed Air Foam
CEOC - Community Emergency Operations Center
CTR - Crew Time Report
DHS - Department of Homeland Security
DIVS - Division Supervisor
EAS - Emergency Alert System
EMT - Emergency Medical Technician
EOC - Emergency Operations Center
ERC - Energy Release Component
FAA - Federal Aviation Administration
FD - Fire Department
FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
FMAG - Fire Management Assistance Grant
FMO - Fire Management Officer
GPS - Global Positioning System
HAZMAT - Hazardous Material
IA - Initial Attack
IC - Incident Commander
ICP - Incident Command Post
ICS - Incident Command System
IIMT - Interagency Incident Management Team
JIC - Joint Information Center
86
ACRONYMS
JIS - Joint Information System
KBDI - Keetch-Byram Drought Index
LAT - Large Air Tanker
LCES - Lookout, Communication, Escape Routes, Safety Zones
LE - Law Enforcement
LEO - Law Enforcement Officer
LODD - Line of Duty Death
MAFFS - Modular Airborne Firefighting System
MCP - Mobile Command Post
MRE - Meal Ready to Eat
NFPA - National Fire Protection Association
NICC - National Interagency Coordination Center
NIFC - National Interagency Fire Center
NIMO - National Incident Management Organization
NIMS - National Incident Management System
PAO - Public Affairs Officer
PD - Position Description
PIO - Public Information Officer
PL - Preparedness Level
PPE - Personal Protective Equipment
RAWS - Remote Automated Weather System
RFC - Regional Fire Coordinator
RFD - Rural Fire District
RH - Relative Humidity
RL - Risk Level
ROS - Rate of Spread
87
ACRONYMS
SACC - Southern Area Coordination Center
SAIT - Safety Accident Investigation Team
SCBA - Self -Contained Breathing Apparatus
SEAT - Single -Engine Air Tanker
SITREP - Situation Report
SOP - Standard Operating Procedure
TAC - Tactical Channels
TFLD - Task Force Leader
TFR - Temporary Flight Restrictions
TFS - Texas A&M Forest Service
UAC - Unified Area Command
UC - Unified Command
USDA - United States Department of Agriculture
USFS - United States Forest Service
UTF - Unable to Fill
VFD - Volunteer Fire Department
VFR - Visual Flight Rules
WCT - Work Capacity Test
WUI - Wildland Urban Interface
88
GLOSSARY
UMW
The following terms are from the Incident Command System
(ICS) National Training Curriculum documentation.
AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE: An individual assigned to an
incident from an assisting or cooperating agency who has been
delegated authority to make decisions on matters affecting that
agency's participation at the incident. Agency Representatives
report to the Incident Liaison Officer.
AREA COMMAND: An organization established to: 1) oversee
the management of multiple incidents that are each being
handled by an Incident Command System organization; or 2)
to oversee the management of a very large incident that has
multiple Incident Management Teams assigned to it. Area
Command has the responsibility to set overall strategy and
priorities, allocate critical resources based on priorities, ensure
that incidents are properly managed and ensure that objectives
are met and strategies followed.
BRANCH: The organizational level having functional or
geographic responsibility for major parts of incident operations.
The Branch level is organizationally between Section and
Division/Group in the Operations Section, and between
Section and Units in the Logistics Section. Branches are
identified by the use of Roman numerals or by functional name
(e.g., medical, security, etc.).
89
GLOSSARY
CACHE: A pre -determined complement of tools, equipment
and/or supplies stored in a designated location, available for
incident use.
CHECK -IN: The process whereby resources first report to an
incident. Check -in locations include: Incident Command
Post (Resources Unit), Incident Base, Camps, Staging Areas,
Helibases, Helispots and Division Supervisors (for direct line
assignments).
CHAIN OF COMMAND: A series of management positions in
order of authority.
COMMAND: The act of directing and/or controlling resources
by virtue of explicit legal, agency or delegated authority. May
also refer to the Incident Commander.
COMMAND STAFF: The Command Staff consists of the
Information Officer, Safety Officer and Liaison Officer. They
report directly to the Incident Commander. They may have an
assistant or assistants, as needed.
COMPLEX: Two or more individual incidents located in the
same general area which are assigned to a single Incident
Commander or to Unified Command.
90
GLOSSARY
COORDINATION CENTER: Term used to describe any facility
that is used for the coordination of agency or jurisdictional
resources in support of one or more incidents.
DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY: A statement provided to the
Incident Commander by the Agency Executive delegating
authority and assigning responsibility. The Delegation of
Authority can include objectives, priorities, expectations,
constraints and other considerations or guidelines as needed.
Many agencies require written Delegation of Authority be
given to Incident Commanders prior to their assuming
command on larger incidents.
DEMOBILIZATION UNIT: Functional unit within the Planning
Section responsible for assuring orderly, safe and efficient
demobilization of incident resources.
DIRECTOR: The ICS title for individuals responsible for
supervision of a Branch.
DISPATCH: The implementation of a command decision to
move a resource or resources from one place to another.
DIVISION: Divisions are used to divide an incident into
geographical areas of operation. A Division is located within
the ICS organization between the Branch and the Task Force/
Strike Team. Divisions are identified by alphabetic characters
91
GLOSSARY
WI
for horizontal applications and, often, by floor numbers when
used in buildings.
DOCUMENTATION UNIT: Functional unit within the
Planning Section responsible for collecting, recording and
safeguarding all documents relevant to the incident.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR/DIRECTOR:
The individual within each political subdivision that has
coordination responsibility for jurisdictional emergency
management.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT): A health-care
specialist with particular skills and knowledge in pre -hospital
emergency medicine.
EVENT: A planned, non -emergency activity. ICS can be used
as the management system for a wide range of events, e.g.,
parades, concerts or sporting events.
GENERAL STAFF: The group of incident management
personnel reporting to the Incident Commander. They may
each have a deputy, as needed. The General Staff consists of:
• Operations Section Chief
• Planning Section Chief
• Logistics Section Chief
• Finance/Administration Section Chief
92
GLOSSARY
GROUP: Groups are established to divide the incident
into functional areas of operation. Groups are composed
of resources assembled to perform a special function not
necessarily within a single geographic division. Groups are
located between Branches (when activated) and Resources in
the Operations Section.
HELIBASE: The main location for parking, fueling,
maintenance and loading of helicopters operating in support
of an incident. It is usually located at or near the incident base.
HELISPOT: Any designated location where a helicopter can
safely take off and land. Some helispots may be used for
loading of supplies, equipment or personnel.
INCIDENT: An occurrence either human caused or by
natural phenomena that requires action by emergency service
personnel to prevent or minimize loss of life or damage to
property and/or natural resources.
INCIDENT ACTION PLAN: Contains objectives reflecting
the overall incident strategy and specific tactical actions and
supporting information for the next operational period. The
Plan may be oral or written. When written, the Plan may have
a number of forms as attachments (e.g., traffic plan, safety
plan, communications plan, map, etc.).
93
GLOSSARY
INCIDENT COMMANDER: The individual responsible for the
management of all incident operations at the incident site.
INCIDENT COMMAND POST (ICP): The location at which the
primary command functions are executed. The ICP may be
collocated with the incident base or other incident facilities.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS): A standardized on -scene
emergency management concept specifically designed to allow
its user(s) to adopt an integrated organizational structure equal
to the complexity and demands of single or multiple incidents,
without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries.
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM: The Incident Commander
and appropriate Command and General Staff personnel
assigned to an incident.
INFORMATION OFFICER: A member of the Command Staff
responsible for interfacing with the public and media or with
other agencies requiring information directly from the incident.
There is only one Information Officer per incident. The
Information Officer may have assistants.
LIAISON OFFICER: A member of the Command Staff
responsible for coordinating with representatives from
cooperating and assisting agencies.
94
G LOSSARY
LOGISTICS SECTION: The Section responsible for providing
facilities, services and materials for the incident.
MOBILIZATION: The process and procedures used by all
organizations federal, state and local for activating, assembling
and transporting all resources that have been requested to
respond to or support an incident.
MULTI -AGENCY COORDINATION (MAC): A generalized term
which describes the functions and activities of representatives
of involved agencies and/or jurisdictions who come together to
make decisions regarding the prioritizing of incidents and the
sharing and use of critical resources. The MAC organization is
not a part of the on -scene ICS and is not involved in developing
incident strategy or tactics.
MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT: Written agreement between
agencies and/or jurisdictions in which they agree to assist one
another upon request, by furnishing personnel and equipment.
NATIONAL INTERAGENCY INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM (NIIMS): An NWCG-developed program consisting of
five major subsystems which collectively provide a total systems
approach to all-risk incident management.
95
GLOSSARY
NATIONAL WILDFIRE COORDINATING GROUP (NWCG):
A group formed under the direction of the Secretaries of the
Interior and Agriculture to improve the coordination and
effectiveness of wildland fire activities, and provide a forum to
discuss, recommend appropriate action or resolve issues and
problems of substantive nature.
OPERATIONAL PERIOD: The period of time scheduled for
execution of a given set of operation actions as specified in the
Incident Action Plan. Operational Periods can be of various
lengths, although usually not over 24 hours.
OPERATIONS SECTION: The Section responsible for all tactical
operations at the incident. Includes Branches, Divisions and/
or Groups, Task Forces, Strike Teams, Single Resources and
Staging Areas.
OVERHEAD PERSONNEL: Personnel who are assigned to
supervisory positions which include Incident Commander,
Command Staff, General Staff, Directors, Supervisors and Unit
Leaders.
RESOURCES: Personnel and equipment available, or
potentially available, for assignment to incidents. Resources
are described by kind and type, e.g., ground, water, air, etc.
96
G LOSSARY
SECTION: That organization level with responsibility for
a major functional area of the incident, e.g., Operations,
Planning, Logistics, Finance/Administration. The Section is
organizationally between Branch and Incident Commander.
SINGLE RESOURCE: An individual, a piece of equipment and its
personnel complement, or a crew or team of individuals with an
identified work supervisor that can be used on an incident.
SPAN OF CONTROL: The supervisory ratio of from three -
to -seven individuals, with five -to -one being established as
optimum.
STAGING AREA: Staging Areas are locations set up at an
incident where resources can be placed while awaiting a tactical
assignment. Staging Areas are managed by the Operations
Section.
STRIKE TEAM: Specified combinations of the same kind and
type of resources, with common communications and a leader.
TACTICAL DIRECTION: Direction given by the Operations
Section Chief which includes the tactics appropriate for the
selected strategy, the selection and assignment of resources,
tactics implementation and performance monitoring for each
operational period.
97
GLOSSARY
TASK FORCE: A combination of single resources assembled for
a particular tactical need, with common communications and
a leader.
TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS (TFR): Temporary
airspace restrictions for non -emergency aircraft in the incident
area. TFRs are established by the FAA to ensure aircraft safety,
and are normally limited to a five -nautical -mile radius and
2,000 feet in altitude.
TWENTY -FOOT WINDS: Sustained winds averaged over a
10-minute period and measured 20 feet above the average
height of nearby vegetation.
TYPE: Refers to resource capability. A Type 1 resource provides
a greater overall capability due to power, size, capacity, etc.,
than would be found in a Type 2 resource. Resource typing
provides managers with additional information in selecting the
best resource for the task.
UNIFIED COMMAND: In ICS, Unified Command is a unified
team effort which allows all agencies with responsibility for
the incident, either geographical or functional, to manage an
incident by establishing a common set of incident objectives
and strategies.
98
ICS FORMS
Incident Command System forms may be tailored to meet an
agency's needs. More importantly, even though the format is
flexible, the form number and purpose of the specific type of
form must remain intact to maintain consistency and facilitate
immediate identification and interoperability, and for ease of
use.
The following provides brief descriptions of selected ICS forms.
This list is not all-inclusive. All ICS forms can be downloaded
at http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/forms/icsforms.htm
ICS 201 - Incident Briefing
Most often used by the initial Incident Commander, this
four -section document (often produced as four pages) allows
for the capture of vital incident information prior to the
implementation of the formal planning process. ICS 201 allows
for a concise and complete transition of command briefing to
an incoming new IC. This form is designed to be transferred
easily to the members of the Command and General Staff as
they arrive and begin work. It is not included as a part of the
formal written Incident Action Plan.
99
ICS FORMS
ICS 202 - Incident Objectives
ICS 202 serves as the first page of a written IAP. It includes
incident information, a listing of the IC's objectives for the
operational period, pertinent weather information and a general
safety message. Signature blocks are provided.
ICS 203 - Organization Assignment List
ICS 203 is typically the second page of the IAP. It provides a full
accounting of incident management and supervisory staff for
that operational period.
ICS 204 - Assignment List
ICS 204 is included in multiples, based on the organizational
structure of the Operations Section for the operational period.
Each Division/Group will have its own page, listing the
Supervisor for the Division/Group (including Branch Director
if assigned) and the specific assigned resources with leader
name and number of personnel assigned to each resource.
This document then describes in detail the specific actions
the Division or Group will be taking in support of the overall
incident objectives.
100
ICS FORMS
V
Any special instructions will be included as well as the
elements of the Incident Radio Communications Plan (ICS
205) that apply to that Division or Group.
ICS 205 - Incident Radio Communications Plan
ICS 205 is used to provide information on all radio frequency
assignments down to the Division/Group level.
ICS 206 - Medical Plan
ICS 206 presents the incident's Medical Plan to care for
responder medical emergencies.
ICS 209 - Incident Status Summary
ICS 209 collects basic incident decision support information
and is the primary mechanism for reporting this situational
information to incident coordination and support
organizations and the Agency Administration/Executives.
ICS 211 - Incident Check -In List
ICS 211 documents the check -in process. Check -in recorders
report check -in information to the Resources Unit.
101
ICS FORMS
ICS 215 - Operational Planning Worksheet
ICS 215 is used in the incident Planning Meeting to develop
tactical assignments and resources needed to achieve incident
objectives and strategies.
ICS 215A - Safety and Risk Analysis
ICS 215A communicates to the Operations and Planning
Section Chiefs the safety and health issues identified by the
Safety Officer. It also identifies mitigation measures to address
the identified safety issues.
102
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CONTACT
LIST
District Coordinator, Texas Department of Public Safety,
Division of Emergency Management
979-412-0003
Texas A&M Forest Service Contact Info
Regional Fire Coordinator
200 Technology Way, Suite 1162
College Station, TX 77845-3424
979-458-6507
Assistant Chief Regional Fire Coordinator
700 South Reynolds Street
La Grange, Texas 78945
979-968-5555
LaGrange Dispatch
979-968-5555
texaswildfirerisk.com
ticc.tamu.edu
texasforestservice. tamu. edu
texasfirewise.com
111
112
STANDARD FIREFIGHTING ORDERS
WATCH OUT SITUATIONS
Standard Firefighting Orders
1. Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts.
2. Know what your fire is doing at all times.
3. Base all actions on current and expected behavior of the fire.
4. Identify escape routes and safety zones, and make them known.
5. Post lookouts when there is possible danger.
6. Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively.
7. Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor and
adjoining forces.
8. Give clear instructions and be sure they are understood.
9. Maintain control of your forces at all times.
10. Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first.
Watch Out Situations
1. Fire not scouted and sized up.
2. In country not seen in daylight.
3. Safety zones and escape routes not identified.
4. Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior.
5. Uninformed on strategy, tactics and hazards.
6. Instructions and assignments not clear.
7. No communication link with crew members or supervisor.
8. Constructing line without safe anchor point.
9. Building fireline downhill with fire below.
10. Attempting frontal assault on fire.
11. Unburned fuel between you and fire.
12. Cannot see main fire; not in contact with
someone who can.
13. On a hillside where rolling material can ignite ?
fuel below. rto
14. Weather becoming hotter and drier.
15. Wind increases and/or changes direction.
16. Getting frequent spot fires across line.
17. Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones FIRE
difficult.
18. Taking a nap near fireline.
TEXAS A&M
FOREST SERVICE
113